The Lost America Blog

Shot between 2005 and 2007, many of the people following my work now have probably never seen these, so it’s time to put a set of ’em on the website.

Byron Hot springs was a resort hidden in the hills between Oakland and Stockton CA. It’s 1920s heyday was eclipsed by abandonment during the Great Depression and use as a POW camp during WWII. After a short stint as a monastery in the ’50’s it stood abandoned, and supposedly, haunted, for 40 years. Once the caretaker disappeared after the turn of the century, it didn’t take long for the ruins to become a magnet for vandals and partying teenagers . . . and photographers. Since shooting these, almost every square inch of the place has been tagged and I personally know at least 50 other urbex shooters who have taken a stab at capturing the place’s vibe.